Hayden's Class Christmas Party
Hayden's class Christmas party was during Jerry's break as well, so I was able to go help out in the class. It's been kinda weird being so distant from Hayden's school. Before, even though I hadn't ever taught in Hayden's school, I knew the teacher, I knew the district and how things worked. He would love for me to go in every week to volunteer, but it's not an option right now, so I am happy I was able to go in for the party.
Christmas Eve
We had a wonderful Christmas Eve. The morning started out excited, yet not having to rush anywhere. It was nice to just be excited with the kids, and enjoy the day. John and Sara and their kids came over to spend the evening. It was so great to spend that time with family. We had dinner and then played for a bit. Then we had a special visit from Alonzo Snodgrass!! He left us gifts. It was so fun to see my kids with their cousins getting all excited about Alonzo. He's visited us for several years - but this is the first year they are kinda remembering his secret gifts. Watching my kids reminded me of Christmas Eves with my cousins. Christmas Eve was the special day we got to spend with our cousins. We would play, play, play, and talk about where we thought the presents might be hidden, and just have fun. Great memories! I got to be on the parent end watching it this year. So fun. While we were tracking Santa on NORAD Jerry got a text message from Alonzo - yes, he's very tech savvy.:) Alonzo said that he'd stopped by, but we must have been having so much fun during dinner that we didn't hear his knocking. So he left the presents somewhere that they'd be safe outside, but he gave us a hint that we'd probably need a key to find them.
They were in the back of Jerry's car - still don't have any idea how he got them in there.
Sadly, because I've been so slow to get this blog post written I don't quite remember all our family names.
I THINK these are the names he gave us- or at least something similar to it.
Jerry - Purdue Paul
Sarah- Newest mama Maria
Hayden- Ben - riding his bike on 2 wheels only
Rebecca- Preschool Patty
Sydney- Tangled twirling Tammy
Luke - Little Coughing Cal - (because Luke had a cough from Nov. till Feb)
They were in the back of Jerry's car - still don't have any idea how he got them in there.
Sadly, because I've been so slow to get this blog post written I don't quite remember all our family names.
I THINK these are the names he gave us- or at least something similar to it.
Jerry - Purdue Paul
Sarah- Newest mama Maria
Hayden- Ben - riding his bike on 2 wheels only
Rebecca- Preschool Patty
Sydney- Tangled twirling Tammy
Luke - Little Coughing Cal - (because Luke had a cough from Nov. till Feb)
Tracking Santa
Alonzo's presents were in the back of Jerry's car.
John read Alonzo's letter and gave the gifts.
After John and Sara went home we opened pajama presents, then we watched Mr. Kruger's Christmas. Next we watched the Joy to the World movie - Luke 2, and wrote our gift to Christ. Then the kids were so anxious to get to bed so Santa wouldn't pass them up. They put out the milk and cookies and went to their room for the Christmas Eve party.
The kids all sleep in the same room on Christmas Eve and get to have their own party. They each get to choose a couple goodies to add to the party, and wow, it adds up to a lot. They started watching a Christmas movie, but it wasn't long before they were all fast asleep because they were so excited, yet so worn out from a wonderful day of fun.
Christmas Eve night goodies. They are ready for a party!
Christmas Day
We were up at about 7:30 Christmas morning - yes, the kids actually slept in a bit. They were so excited, and we were too. We got pictures then went out to see the presents.
After all the presents were opened we had about 1 1/2 hours till church started, so we decided to wait and have our big Christmas breakfast after church as a lunch instead. It was really special having Christmas on a Sunday. It was a beautiful day, and church was wonderful. I'm so glad we were able to go remember the true meaning of Christmas on that special day.
When we got home we made our traditional huge, yummy breakfast.
By evening we were all a little exhausted.
Here is Rebecca dancing with the Just Dance for Kids that we got for Christmas. She is actually SO good at it. I love watching her dance to it.
Chicago Get Away
We wanted to take a little getaway before Jerry and Hayden had to go back to school. We decided to go up to Chicago since it's only a couple hours away. It was so much fun. Freezing cold, but fun. We went to see the temple and walked around for a few minutes, but then hurried back into the car since it was so cold. We only stayed over night, but it was some good, needed, family time.
The next morning we weren't quite sure what we wanted to do. We'd thought about going to the zoo, or the children's museum, but it was still quite cold and the kids all got horrible non-stop coughs, so I didn't want them to be outside in the cold for long, or in a children's museum with all the mom's giving me horrible looks because I was infecting their children. We drove to the temple again and it was a bit warmer so we were able to walk around it a bit more. Then we went on a search for the Home Alone house. Jerry found the address online, and it was only 20 min. away so we went. It was so cool. The owners were cool too. We were outside taking a few pics from the road and they opened the door and offered that we could go up to the front door to get a few pictures. They put a cutout of Kevin in the front window too. It was very fun.
And just to end the post, here's a cute picture of our cute, growing boy!
